Clearance issue on stock RS3

[Theexscientist]

Wondering if anyone else on here has had any experience with rubbing of the inside of the front rims on the suspension on a stock car.


I understand that it could be likely if you have modded your car, put on wider rims, different off set for example but this is a completely stock 2022 Audi RS3.

The front wheels are very wide, think they are 265, standard suspension, not the vorsprung edition, but Audi are being less than helpful, as usual.
thanks all

[Hammy98]

Is it wearing the correct tyres? By correct I mean the Audi approved make and model.

A 265 Michelin can be quite differently sized to a 265 Pirelli for example...

[Theexscientist]

Yes, was on the OE tyre until the fronts both changed recently, that's when the rubbing became obvious, its scraped the inside of the rims,

[Dr G]

Theexscientist said:

Yes, was on the OE tyre until the fronts both changed recently, that's when the rubbing became obvious, its scraped the inside of the rims,

So the rubbing started after you fitted different tyres?

[Theexscientist]

No, it was only after taking the front wheels off whilst replacing the OE tyres that the damage to the inside of the rims was obvious.

Still no explanation, Audi say it isn't touching and couldn't have been, just wondered if anyone else had the same issue.

[Ste372]

Check back on readers ride thread to a guy cardinal I think it was. He had a lovely rs3 and I'm sure he mentions something about wider front wheels/tyres being fitted to a rs3 8v shape. Perhaps the front and rears have been mixed up or replacement wheels have been fitted same spec as rears?

[Ste372]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

That should work. Mentions in his first post. Front wheels were 8.5 wide and rears 8 with different size tyres. Might be useful perhaps

[Theexscientist]

Thanks Ste372, appreciate the help.

It is unusual that the fronts are wider than the rears but that is how they were designed, it is supposed to be that way. Guess they are trying to dial out the understeer that previous fast Audis have been accused of having.

I wonder though if Audi have left a bit too little clearance on these though, especially since most cars that I've seen have the adaptive suspension. Mine is unusual in that its the base spec suspension.

Can't see how else the rims could have been scuffed on the inside though, Recon its pretty much impossible to kerb the inside of the rims!!

[cuprabob]

If it was rubbing, surely the tyre would make contact before the actual rim?

It would also only be happening on full lock which I wouldn't imagine happens that often.

Edited by cuprabob on Tuesday 16th April 16:02

[Dr G]

Are there any witness marks on suspension components? On the tyres? Are you able to share photos of the marks to wheels/suspension?

[Theexscientist]

Inner rim, haven't got any pictures of the suspension or the old tyres though.

[Dr G]

The marks are not concentric so unlikely to be rubbing on something.

I would say careless tyre fitter, but odd for it then to be on the back of the wheel. Has it had a buckle repaired?

[Iceblue]

Dr G said:

The marks are not concentric so unlikely to be rubbing on something.

I would say careless tyre fitter, but odd for it then to be on the back of the wheel. Has it had a buckle repaired?

Exactly my thoughts tyre fitting damage defo not consistent with rubbing that would of scrubbed the tyre not the rim

[Chainedtomato]

Theexscientist said:

Inner rim, haven't got any pictures of the suspension or the old tyres though.

I’ve seen this before on a previous set of wheels after getting new tyres fitted. I guess because you can’t see it the tyre shop doesn’t care?

[Theexscientist]

Thanks all, seems like that might be the cause. Been a tyre place I've used lots in the past and always been good previously.